Only a year after the launch of the first generation of their P30 series, HK introduced an upgraded variant. This new model is called P30L and so far has been released in 9mm Parabellum and .40 S&W calibers only. All other features that apply to the first generation of P30 pistols also hold true for this one.
The main differences between the two generations are:
The overall length increased by 29 mm (1.14 in), which was achieved by increasing the pistol's height from 131 mm (5.16 in) to 151 mm (5.94in) and adding some 17 mm (0.67 in) to its width; Magazine capacity increased from 10 to 15 rounds for the 9mm version and from 12 to 16 rounds for the .40 S&W variant. Locking slots are added to the pistol's slide, which can be used with a "third hand" device. An ambidextrous external safety/decocker that can be mounted on both sides of the firearm. The front sight is now interchangeable – it is possible to install a different type of blade or an adjustable one. Spent cases eject slightly to the right (in conventional semi-autos) as opposed to directly down as before.
The most significant internal change was switching from simple holes drilled through the barrel, called venting, which acted somewhat like mini-ch and resulted in muzzle flip after firing, to a more effective and controllable "ported" barrel. Ports are drilled at an angle into the barrel's top section and allow escaping gas to press on the slide from the front as well as counteract muzzle flip by directing the gases to the side of that section. This results in a much greater reduction of felt recoil than with a non-ported barrel. The P30L proved to be a very soft shooter even when compared to other ported pistols such as, for example, HK USP Match or Beretta 92 Combat Competition.
The pistol is available either with conventional fixed sights or with a proprietary HK rear sight called Night Sight – similar in appearance and function to those made by Trijicon – which has two self-luminous dots. The latter is powered by a tiny lamp (powered either by phosphorous or tritium) installed in the rear sight's body and do not require batteries, allowing them to operate for several years without requiring any outside source of energy.
The VP9 uses HK's ergonomic handgun grip design that includes three changeable backstraps and six side panels. Molded finger grooves in the front of the pistol's grip also instinctively position an operator's hand for optimal shooting. All controls are completely ambidextrous, slide releases are present on both sides of the frame and magazine release can be easily activated by left or right handed shooters. Pistol features an extended Picatinny MIL-STD 1913 rail molded into its polymer frame for mounting lights and accessories. The VP9 uses the proven P30 steel magazine, with 15 or 10 round capacity. The trigger has a consistent pre-travel pull with a positive wall/crisp break. Shooter has a less than noticeable pre-travel pull until the trigger reaches the engagement point of the fire control parts prior to trigger break. VP9 ships with 2 magazines. Specifications: Overall Length: 10.85" # of Mags: 2 Additional Info: Ambidextrous Controls
